babička
[ˈbabɪt͡ʃka]feminine
The English word "grandma" is translated into Czech as babička. Wiktionary also lists babi.
Meaning: grandmother (informal) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| babička | [ˈbabɪt͡ʃka] (narrow) | feminine |
| babi | [ˈbabɪ] (narrow) | feminine |
Which one should you use?
babička is the standard informal term for grandma used by both children and adults. In contrast, babi is a more childish form.
How does it change in a sentence?
Czech grammar requires the word to change based on its role in a sentence. The plural form for grandmothers is babičky. If you are expressing that something is being given to or happening to grandma, use the dative form babičce. When grandma is the direct object of a verb, such as in "I see grandma", use the accusative form babičku.
Did you know?
- In some Czech folk tales, the word 'babička' can be used to describe the 'Baba Yaga' archetype, a witch living in a hut on chicken legs.
- The word babička is actually a diminutive, derived from the root bab which refers to an old woman or a hag.
- Czech literature features a famous 'Grandmother' figure in the works of Božena Němcová, making the word babička synonymous with traditional Czech wisdom.
Examples in context
- Mé babičce bylo sto let.My grandma turned one hundred.This sentence shows the use of the dative form of the word related to babi.Tatoeba #11790165 by Ergulis, translation #11164724 by SunnyMoon
- I moje babička umí posílat SMSky.Even my grandma can send an SMS.Tatoeba #8727842 by aldar, translation #943807 by Scott
- Babi budeme navštěvovat v neděli.We'll be visiting grandma by Sunday.
Example conversation
Jan and Tereza are talking about their weekend plans.
- JanKde jsi byl v sobotu?Where were you on Saturday?
- TerezaJezdila jsem pomáhat své babičce.I went to help my grandma.
- JanTo je od tebe hezké.That is nice of you.
- TerezaMoje babička mě moc ráda vidí.My grandma loves seeing me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandma” translations and entries babička, babi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries babi, babička, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
